Looking for continuing professional education (CPE) credits? Or just trying to stay on top of your game? You can do both at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Nationwide Tax Forums which kick off next week in Orlando before moving on to Dallas, July 25 to July 27.
There are five tax forums in total. “We encourage tax professionals to attend one of the five tax forums this summer and fall,” said IRS Commissioner John Koskinen. “The first is in Orlando starting July 11, and the early registration deadline is quickly approaching for the Dallas Tax Forum in late July. The forums provide critical information that can help tax professionals stay current on emerging issues and a variety of specialized topics, including what to expect for the next filing season.”
The three remaining forums will be held in National Harbor, Maryland (August 22-24), Las Vegas, Nevada (August 29-31), and San Diego, California (September 12-14).
Tax professionals attending a 2017 tax forum can earn up to 18 CPE credits, as well as get the latest information on federal and state tax issues presented by experts from the IRS and partner organizations in a wide variety of seminars and workshops.
Seminar topics include identity theft prevention and other tax professional security issues, as well as IRS Future State efforts that include new digital services available. Koskinen says, “A special area of emphasis at the forums this year will be sharing information about identity theft and tips to increase security awareness. We are seeing repeated instances of cybercriminals targeting tax professionals and obtaining sensitive client information that can be used to file fraudulent tax returns. The forum sessions on these topics provide information and advice that can help protect tax professionals and their clients.”
The forum also offers tax professionals with unresolved client cases the opportunity to meet face-to-face with IRS representatives in the Case Resolution Program. Since 2011, case resolution staff has worked nearly 4,500 cases with a resolution rate of more than 97%. The normal rules still apply which means you must bring a valid power of attorney for any case you want to discuss with the IRS (you’re limited to one client case per forum).
If you’re heading to Dallas, you can save $115 if you register in advance. Enrolled agents, certified public accountants, certified financial planners, Annual Filing Season Program participants and other tax professionals can register at the standard rate of $255 through July 11, but attendees registering after that date or on-site will pay $370.
For more information or to register online, visit www.irstaxforum.com.
